SEMESTER IN DEVELOPMENT

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2018 AND 2019 PROGRAMS

UGANDA

The Pearl of Africa

Spend a term studying, interning, travelling and living in Uganda.

Makerere University’s main building in Kampala.

Spend your next term learning from locals, interning with change makers, and living in the Pearl of Africa. Combining in-class learning with meaningful internships, the Semester in Development is one of the most unique programs available for current students. Over the course of 12 weeks, program participants will explore a wide variety of global and local issues, interacting with Ugandans of all walks of life.

Gain career relevant experience while interning abroad, develop new perspectives on global issues while studying abroad, and build global connections while living abroad, all while still in school.

STUDY

Earn transferable credits equivalent to two courses while learning from engaging, local professors. More info...

INTERN

Gain meaningful experience working with one of our 20+ NGO partners. More info…

TRAVEL

With over 10 national parks, the source of the Nile and incredibly rare Mountain Gorillas, Uganda has a lot to offer. Our photos…

“The Semester in Development made me really stand out to potential employers and I was able to get a job with the company of my dreams soon after returning home. My fear that I wouldn’t find a job after graduating no longer existed at the end of the program. I made life long memories with a group of people who have become life long friends. In the last year since coming home, I’ve done so many things that I would never have even tried before. After the Semester In Development, I feel like I have no limits!”

Nadine Maier, Summer 2015Simon Fraser University

Program Details: Study

Class Details

Enroll in two courses offered by our partner, Makerere University (one of Africa’s most prestigious institutions).

Credits earned can transfer back to home institutions, counting towards degree progression.

Sample Courses

“…it was so great to learn from professors who had actually experienced and lived through what they were teaching, and to make local friends who would take me to the really cool places in the city. Uganda is beautiful, the people are beautiful and I never once felt unsafe. Living and travelling in Africa made me feel more whole than I’ve ever felt in my entire life.”

Christine, Summer 2014Simon Fraser University

Program Details: Intern

Internship Details

Intern for four days a week and gain international work experience with an organization working in your field of interest.

We currently work with over 20+ partners spanning 5 different sectors:

Youth Engagement and Education

Social Enterprise and Social Business

Public Health and Social Work

Environment and Sustainability

Advocacy and Governance

Below you’ll find some of our current partners. We’re always adding more, so if you’ve got specific interests, feel free to let us know when you apply.

Not sure where you want to intern? Not to worry, after you’ve been accepted into the program, our in-country coordinator will meet with you one-on-one to determine a good fit!

Program FAQS

The SID program runs three times a year – Winter/Spring, Summer and Fall. The dates for each respective term will be listed in the ‘Dates and Costs’ section.

When is the application period for the SID program?

The application dates are provided in the ‘Dates and Costs’ section.

Will I receive academic credit for participating in the program?

The academic component of the program is structured to ensure participating students can earn credits, while participating in the program. Each participating student is automatically enrolled in two courses at Makerere University, in Kampala. Once admitted into the program, we will assist you in ensuring you submit the required paperwork, and receive credits for studying in Uganda.

Where will I intern in Kampala?

The internship component of the program is designed to give participants an opportunity to develop valuable skills and gain meaningful experiences. Once an applicant is admitted to the program, we individually sit down with them to further explore their interests and desires. We then match students to our partners, based on a variety of factors – we never place students with an organization they are not interested or do not see any benefit in.

What type of support can I expect in Uganda?

We always have a program director in Uganda overseeing the Semester in Development.

What is life like in Kampala?

The pace of life in Uganda can be different to what you’re used to. Kampala is probably best described as a city in transition; from modern movie theaters and shopping malls, to traditional markets and congested streets, Kampala offers a diverse array of experiences.

Where will I live?

We rent out local apartments where the cohort, along with our facilitator, live throughout the program.

I have participated in the SID. How can I get an extra copy of my official transcript?

You can submit a request for an extra copy of your transcript via your Program Director. Please note that you will need to pay a $50 USD administrative fee for extra transcript copies, plus the cost of the shipping via DHL (in the event that you need the documents sent to an academic institution or to your home).